Former Justice Minister Malami Returns to Kebbi After Securing Release on ₦1.5bn Bail in EFCC Case

Abubakar Malami (SAN), Nigeria’s former Attorney-General, arrived in Kebbi State on Thursday evening alongside his wife Hajia Bashir Asabe and son Abubakar Abdulaziz following their successful fulfillment of stringent bail requirements totaling ₦1.5 billion imposed by an Abuja Federal High Court.

The family’s return to their home state came barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court granted them conditional release on Wednesday, with each defendant required to post ₦500 million individual bonds supported by two sureties possessing verified property holdings in premium Federal Capital Territory neighborhoods.

Beyond the substantial financial bonds, the court imposed comprehensive restrictions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued availability for trial proceedings. Bail conditions mandate that sureties execute affidavits of means alongside additional documentary requirements as compliance prerequisites. The judicial order also compels surrender of international travel documents to court registry officials while explicitly forbidding foreign travel absent prior court authorization.

The former minister and his family members are currently standing trial on allegations presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), facing accusations encompassing money laundering and associated financial crimes. Prosecution documents outline a 16-count indictment centered on purported involvement in an ₦8.7 billion scheme involving alleged bribery and illicit financial transactions spanning multiple years—charges the defendants have categorically rejected.

Upon landing in Kebbi, the family encountered an enthusiastic reception from assembled relatives and supporters who gathered to mark their homecoming.

Malami’s governmental tenure as Justice Minister extended from November 11, 2015, through May 29, 2023, during which he served under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, holding one of the most powerful legal positions in the federal executive branch.

The bail approval represents a significant procedural development in a high-profile corruption case that has attracted considerable public attention given Malami’s former role as the nation’s chief law officer. The substantial bail amounts and restrictive conditions reflect the court’s assessment of flight risk considerations balanced against constitutional presumptions of innocence pending trial conclusion.

Legal observers note that the case carries particular significance due to Malami’s previous position overseeing Nigeria’s justice system and prosecution apparatus, creating what some analysts describe as an ironic reversal of roles as the former prosecutor now faces prosecution himself.

The trial proceedings are expected to continue in the Federal High Court, with the defendants now required to make regular court appearances while adhering to the strict conditions accompanying their temporary release from custody.